French MP demands independent inquiry into Nangpa la shooting

By Tenam

Lionnel Luca, Député de la Nation

French MP, Senator Lionnel Luca said he is outraged and called for an independent inquiry into the shooting of Tibetan refugees at Nangpa la on 30 September.

"The 140 members of the Tibet Group in French Parliament are outraged by this cowardly agression, firmly denounce the violation of the international rules, and call upon the international community to open an independent inquiry supervised by UN," the Deputy, who is also the President of the Tibet Group in the French Parliament, said.

He has also asked President Jacques Chirac, to raise the issue with the Chinese counterpart during his forthcoming trip to China.

"You will be visiting China in the next few days and, knowing the importance that you attach to Human Rights, I would be happy if you raise the issue and condemn the cowardly attack," said a letter released by Deputy Luca.

Shocking video and eyewitness reports by european mountaineers near Nangpa La confirm that on 30 September 2006, Chinese forces opened fire on a group of Tibetans escaping into Nepal, killing a young nun and a boy. Five others are reported to have been killed when the border patrol opened fire without warning on over 70 Tibetans who were crossing the Nangpa Pass.

"This tragic event was witnessed by independent observers, European mountaineers and captured on film by a Romanian TV crew , which contradicts the outrageous version of the Chinese authorities," the Deputy added.

Although 43 Tibetans have safely made it to Nepal, the whereabouts of the more than 30 remaining members of the group is a cause of great concern Tibetans and Tibet supporters.

"This troubles those who believe in democracy, especially as China is holding the Olympics in 2008", the letter said.

Tibetans and Tibet supporters are holding a candle-light vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy in Paris on 29 september to condemn this killing.